Persico’s Hardware serves up big changes and plenty of barbecue

By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

James Blanas was the grill master for the event. In preparation for this summer’s events, Blanas has been learning about all the different grills offered in the store. Here he explains his method to store patrons. Marlene McTigue/Capital Region Independent Media

RAVENA — It was free meatballs hot off the grill and a warm welcome at Persico’s Ace Hardware on Main Street in Ravena last Saturday.

In the first of multiple festive grilling events that will run throughout the course of the year, the public was invited to stop by and learn more about the various grills that are available at Persico and maybe learn some new techniques.

Susan Persico was the event’s facilitator.

“We would like to introduce people to different kinds of grilling and different kinds of grills and how versatile they are,” Persico said. “We find that if you feed people, give them a sample that has been cooked on the grill, they are not so intimidated by a new item.”

The sampled item at last Saturday’s event was smoked meatballs.

“We are serving two different flavors of smoked meatballs today,” said Persico. “One is a raspberry chipotle, and the other is called smokey mountain. We sell all of the spices and rubs inside the store. Every grilling event that we will have this summer will feature a different kind of grill. Today’s featured grill is a Traeger and the next one we’re hoping to showcase will be the Big Green Egg, which can be a very intimidating grill. This is why we are hosting these events, because once you learn about the grills, it’s no longer intimidating.”

Upcoming events include a Stars and Stripes BBQ on May 25, the Ace 100th Anniversary Block Party on June 29, a Labor Day BBQ on Aug. 31, and Thanksgrilling on Nov. 23.

Susan Persico and Caitlin Collins offer smoked meatballs to patrons at their April grilling event. Marlene McTigue/Capital Region Independent Media

Persico also spoke about the store’s recent transition from being a True Value store to an Ace Store.

“The transition was quite the undertaking. We are nearly complete, but it’s been a really good thing for us, and I think it has been a really good thing for customers as well. We have more product now,” she said.

“We were with True Value for 38 years and it was very good for a very long time, but they are not keeping up and we just felt that in 20 years, True Value won’t be around anymore, so we decided we have to do it now if we want to preserve what we have here,” concluded Persico.

And an even bigger celebration is the works. Stay tuned for news on a grand reopening soon as the store completes its transition to Ace.

Photo Caption: James Blanas was the grill master for the event. In preparation for this summer’s events, Blanas has been learning about all the different grill offered in the store. Here is explains his method to store patrons.

Photo Caption: Susan Persico and Caitlin Collins offer smoked meatballs to patrons at their April grilling event last Saturday.

Social Security Matters: If my wife claims now, will it hurt my Social Security amount?

In Lifestyle, Lifestyle - Ravena, The Ravena News Herald

January 18, 2024

By Russell Gloor

For Capital Region Independent Media

Dear Rusty:

I am 69 years old and my wife turned 70 early last year. I am still working full-time. My wife is not working, but she got a letter from Social Security saying she should take her Social Security as soon as possible.

My question is: since my wife has reached her full retirement age, can she take her SS without it affecting mine when I claim? I plan to work at least another year, depending on how the economy goes (I may have to work longer if it doesn’t get better). I have IRAs and a 401k to pull from when I retire.

Signed: Anxious Husband

Dear Anxious:

The reason your wife received a letter from Social Security (SS) suggesting she claims now is because her benefit reached maximum some time ago at age 70. Thus, there is no reason for her to wait beyond age 70 to claim.

By delaying past age 70 your wife is losing money so she should apply as soon as possible. I suggest your wife call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (or your local office) right away to request an appointment to apply for her benefits and she should be sure to request six months of retroactive payments (SS will pay up to six months retroactively).

If your wife has a “my Social Security” online account, she can also apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply, but she should be sure to request six months of retroactive benefits in the “Remarks” section of the online application.

Because your wife is more than six months past age 70, getting six months or retroactive benefits will not reduce her age 70 benefit amount. Nor will your wife claiming her benefits now negatively affect your Social Security when you later claim.

Even though you plan to continue working likely beyond 70 years of age yourself, you should not wait beyond age 70 to claim for the same reason – your benefit will reach maximum when you are 70. You can apply for your benefits up to four months in advance, and specify you want benefits to start in the month you turn 70. If you haven’t already done so, you may wish to create your own “my Social Security” online account now at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, which will make it easier for you to apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply when the time comes next year. Applying online is, by far, the most efficient way, but you need to have your online account set up first to do so.

Just so you know, there is no need to worry that you won’t get credit for work income earned after you have applied for your benefits. Even after you are collecting benefits, Social Security will automatically review your earnings each year when that information is received from the IRS (after you file your income tax return). If your most recent earnings are higher than those in any of the 35 years of lifetime earnings used to calculate your benefit when you claim, Social Security will automatically increase your monthly payment amount. In other words, you shouldn’t delay past age 70 to claim Social Security because you’re working – you’ll still get credit for those earnings, automatically.

So, I suggest that your wife take fast action to apply for her Social Security benefits to avoid losing any more money, and that you plan to apply for your benefits to start when you turn 70. There is no financial advantage to waiting beyond age 70 to claim, even if you continue working.

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.

Persico’s Hardware serves up big changes and plenty of barbecue

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